Friends & Co, Celebrates Their Drop-In Chat Line, Coffee Talk, Success In Providing Social Connections.

We are happy to share the results of our Coffee Talk program for the fiscal year 2023-2024. This vital service, alongside our Phone Companions and Visiting Companions, services provides crucial social connections and support to older adults across Minnesota.

Coffee Talk Program: Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Highlights:

Number and Duration of Calls:

• A total of 2,706 calls were answered on the Coffee Talk line this fiscal year.
• Coffee Talkers dedicated 992 hours to engaging in meaningful conversations over the phone.
• 237 unique callers reached out for companionship and support.

Location of Callers:

• Calls were received from 32 counties across Minnesota, including Anoka, Beltrami, Blue Earth, Carlton, Carver, Cook, Crow Wing, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Itasca, Kandiyohi, Le Sueur, Lake, Morrison, Mower, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pine, Polk, Ramsey, Renville, Rice, Sherburne, St. Louis, Stearns, Steele, Todd, Waseca, Washington, Winona, and Wright.
• Additionally, calls came from various locations in Wisconsin, such as Danville, Eau Claire, Ellsworth, River Falls, and St. Croix.
• The program also received calls from 18 different states, including Alabama, California, Delaware, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.
• A few calls were even received from older adults in Canada.

Coffee Talk Volunteers:

• 36 individuals volunteered their time to Coffee Talk over the past fiscal year, including 13 students from St. Thomas University.
• These dedicated volunteers contributed a total of 2,437 hours to manning the Coffee Talk line, providing a lifeline of conversation and companionship to callers.

We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to support our services for older adults. If you are interested in making a meaningful impact through our Coffee Talk, Phone Companions, or Visiting Companions services, please visit friendsco.org/volunteer or call 612.746.0746 to learn more and sign up. Your time and compassion can make a significant difference in Minnesota’s older adults’ lives.